Move FM Regional news

Police in Blue Mountains and Central West wearing it purple

Aug 30, 2019

KATOOMBA, Blue Mountains – NSW Police Force officers on Friday will ‘Wear it Purple’ to celebrate diversity and support the prevention of bullying and youth suicide.

The annual event was launched in 2010 by two students and has now grown into an international celebration; spreading the simple message that ‘you have the right to be proud of who you are.’

For the past eight years, officers from across the force, including the Blue Mountains and Central West have worn purple to foster a safe, supportive and accepting environment while empowering young ‘rainbow’ people within the community.

School Liaison Police, Youth Liaison Officers (YLOs), Crime Prevention Officers (CPOs) and ‘GLLOs’ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer Liaison Officers) regularly attend schools in their local areas to talk about the impact of bullying and the importance of inclusion.

On Friday, these officers will be supporting ‘Wear it Purple’ events in the Blue Mountains, Newtown, Quakers Hill, Coogee, Newcastle, Gosford, and across the Central West.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Tony Crandell APM, said everyone has the right to feel safe and supported in an environment free from bullying and violence.

“Right across the state, our officers will ‘Standup’ and ‘Standout’ in the colour purple, to support our young people and the unique challenges they face on a daily basis by continuing to share the messages of ‘Wear it Purple’,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said Friday.

“Regardless of their gender or sexuality, young people need to understand they are not alone, and our police officers will be out in the community to not only reinforce that, but to show they can come to us for help.”

“I look forward to continuing our support for ‘Wear it Purple’ day and building even better relationships between police and young people within the LGBTIQ community,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.

Facebook Comment
top